Blackberry Farm Lagotto

At Blackberry Farm, the 4,200-acre Relais & Châteaux gastronomic resort in the Smoky Mountains, Lagotto Romagnolo puppies are bred from two distinct Italian bloodlines and are available for sale three times a year.

Originally used for waterfowl and now popularly used as truffle hunters and as guard dogs, this affectionate, obedient Italian breed has a keen sense of smell, as well as a thick, hairy coat, which allows it to spend hours in the water, whatever the weather conditions. There's a waiting list of at least two years, and puppies are personally trained by Jim Sanford—who traveled the world training elephants before settling down at Blackberry Farm—and delivered by him to the new owner's home.

Cost: $8,500